Puerto Villamil and its Beach
Puerto Villamil is Isabela’s small coastal town and the natural base for exploring the island. Its sandy streets, relaxed atmosphere and long white-sand beach give it a very different character from Puerto Ayora.
A relaxed coastal town
The town has a good selection of restaurants, cafés and informal beach bars, particularly around the main square and waterfront. It remains a small, lived-in community rather than simply a tourist resort, and most places can easily be reached on foot.
Life moves at a slower pace here. The beach is an excellent place for walking, swimming, watching the sunset or simply relaxing between organised excursions.
Wildlife within the town
Wildlife is not merely close to Puerto Villamil—it lives within the town itself. Marine iguanas, sea lions, pelicans and shorebirds can be encountered around the beach, landing pier, streets and pathways.
Several lagoons also lie within Puerto Villamil. Flamingos, pintails and other waterbirds can sometimes be watched here as part of an ordinary walk through town.
This close relationship between the community, its beach, the lagoons and the wildlife is one of Puerto Villamil’s most distinctive qualities.
Exploring Isabela
Puerto Villamil is the starting point for excursions to Sierra Negra and Volcán Chico, Tintoreras, Los Túneles, Concha de Perla, the wetlands, tortoise centre and Wall of Tears.
The speedboat crossing from Santa Cruz takes around two hours. Staying for one or two nights allows time to enjoy Puerto Villamil and its beach while also including one or more of Isabela’s principal excursions.
Interested in visiting Puerto Villamil and its Beach?
Tell us your approximate travel dates, group size and interests. We’ll help you fit this experience into a sensible Galápagos itinerary.
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